Records Relating to Office of the Lieutenant Go... | State Archives Catalog

The Lieutenant Governor is elected by the voters of Rhode Island to serve as one of the five General Officers mandated by our state's Constitution. The Lieutenant Governor may serve two, consecutive four-year terms. Under the Constitution, the Lieutenant Governor assumes the duties of the Governor during any vacancies in the Governor's Office or in the event of the incapacitation of the Governor.

The Lieutenant Governor also is designated by state law to serve in a number of other capacities and to chair several boards and commissions. Under state law, the Lieutenant Governor is responsible for working on a number of policy areas in state government through the councils and committees she chairs. These include the Long-Term-Care Coordinating Council, Small Business Advocacy Council and the Rhode Island Emergency Management Advisory Council. The Long-Term-Care Coordinating Council was established in 1987 to bring together leaders from the private and public sectors with the task of coordinating the state's long term care agenda to ensure quality, affordability and access to those with chronic illnesses. The 37- member Council includes elected officials, consumers, state agency directors, advocates, and providers of long-term care. The Emergency Management Advisory Council (RIEMAC) is Chaired by the Lieutenant Governor with the Adjutant General serving as Vice Chairman. The Council consists of 40 members, 22 ex-officio members - with an additional 18 members appointed by the Governor. The Council is responsible for advising on emergency preparedness throughout the state. The Domestic Preparedness Subcommittee was formed in June 2001 to coordinate Rhode Island’s homeland security efforts. The Small Business Advocacy Council (SBAC) was created to give small business a voice in government. Working directly with small business owners, Chambers of Commerce, government and private organizations, the 20-member Council works to remove financial, regulatory and informational roadblocks that can hamper the creation and growth of small business.

The Lieutenant Governor's Office also takes a leadership role in the areas of healthcare policy, environmental protection education, arts and culture and economic development as well as assisting members of the Rhode Island National Guard and their families. The Lieutenant Governor, by law, also appoints public members to numerous boards and commissions.